Vending system



F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 9,1944 Zhwentor fim/v/r M J/1 (Ittorneg F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14,1953 Filed Nov. 9, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 14, 1953 MASSA I 2,645,416

' VENDING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 9, 1944 s Sheets-Sheet s I INVEN TOR.

FRANK MASSA ZA 76 k -ATT RNEY F. MASSA VENDING SYSTEM July 14, 19-53 I 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 9, 1944 E m E C Zinventdr fZM/v/r M/IJJ/IPatented July 14, 1953 means UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VENDING SYSTEMFrank Mass-a, Cleveland Heights, Ohio Application November 9, 1944,Serial No. 562,721

24 Claims. 1

My invention is concerned with an improved vending system and, moreparticularly, with the common self-service systems which are inwidespread use in the so-called super-markets. In the conventional typeof self-service market which is now in use, merchandise is distributedon shelves throughout the store with the price of each article usuallymarked on each individual piece of merchandise. The general method ofshopping is for a customer to obtain a push cart upon entering the storeand to select the merchandise he wants as he passes through the store,depositing his selections in the push cart. When his shopping iscompleted, he delivers the contents of his cart to a check-out cashierwhere each item is spread out and the price of each piece is tabulatedon a cash register. A clerk is generally provided with each cashierwhose function it is to pack the merchandise so that the customer maycarry away the package after paying his bill. In a moderately largeself-service store a relatively large number of cashiers and packingclerks are provided to handle the traflrc of shoppers which pile up atthe exit counters due to the time consumed in handling each piece ofmerchandise by the cashier and the packing clerk.

In addition to the large number of cashiers and packing clerks whichmust be provided in the present type of self-service market, there aremany other defects in the present system which my'invention willeliminate. Among these ad-- ditional defects are included:

1. A staff must be maintained for marking prices on each article and forarranging each article on the display shelves.

2. Time is consumed in removing the older merchandise in order to placethe fresher merchandise on the bottom of the pile, or if this is notdone, the older merchandise is not sold ahead of the fresher material,thereby endangering the reputation of the store in cases where theproducts may become stale.

3. Items are easily removed from their-normal places and placed in otherpiles, and in other instances piles of merchandise are actually brokenor damaged.

4:. Errors may occur in marking the products or the price markings maybe changed by dishonest customers; also, when the price of an item ischanged all of the items which are on display must have their pricemarking changed.

5. Displayed articles may be easily stolen by dishonest customers.

v6. Errors may be made by the cashiers at the .to keep a large enoughsupply of merchandise on'display. If this is not done, clerks will haveto interfere with the store traffic in order to replenish sold-outgoods.

The various defects of the present self-service super-markets which havebeen mentioned all cause high costs in operation which must be reflectedin the selling price of the products. In addition to these defects, thepresent system has the disadvantage of causing annoyance to the customerwhen he has to wait in line'at the check-out counter after his purchasesare made.

As a result of my invention, all of the mentioneddefects of the presentsystem are eliminated or greatly reduced and a large reduction in thecost of operating the store is realized. Specifically, it will bepossible to dispense with many clerks and cashiers now required in theconventional super-markets and to eliminate all sources of errors orthefts of merchandise. As will be evident from the specifications whichfollow, the use of my invention will cause every shopper toautomatically pack his own merchandise and act as his own check-outcashier, thereby being ready to leave the store immediately by simplypaying his bill at the exit counter. No time is needed for checking orpacking the merchandise. In addition to eliminating the need for manyclerks, the customer will not be annoyed by waiting in line after he hascompleted his purchases, and a relatively small store can efiicientlyhandle larger numbers of customers which now require greater space. Theuse of my invention will also dispense with the need for marking theprices on each article and will also assure the selling of the oldermerchandise ahead of the fresher stock.

A further advantage in my system is that the stock of merchandise canextend as high as is desirable, whereas in the present self-servicesystems it is undesirable to stack, the stock of finding merchandisedisplayed on open shelves, the customer finds the products contained inneatly arranged dispensing cabinets which line the walls and aisles ofthe store. In addition to keeping the merchandise free from dust, thecustomer finds each product displayed at a convenient level and does nothave to stoop to look on floor-level shelves nor reach above his headfor what he wants. On each dispensing cabinet, the customer finds akeyway into which he inserts his key if he wishes the particular productdisplayed. Upon the insertion of his key, a release mechanism isoperated and the dispensing cabinet releases one of the articles; andthe price of the article released is automatically caused to register onan adding machine. This adding machine is operated only by the one key,and operation of any of the dispensing cabinets by the given key willcause the same adding machine to register the prices of all the articlespurchased by the individual.

The customer continues around the store and deposits theautomatically-dispensed commodities which he selects into the papercontainers furnished in his push cart. When his purchases are completed,he goes to the exit counter and turns in his key. His key is used by thecashier to totalize the amount recorded on his adding machine and hesimply pays the bill and carries out his packages without any handlingof the merchandise by the cashier.

In the design of my new system or" merchandising, I have taken greatpains to insure that no chances for errors may be made. It will be seenin the detailed description which follows that it is impossible todeliver merchandise from a machine unless registration occurs on theparticular adding machine associated with a particular key being used tooperate the dispenser. Neither it possible for an adding machine to beactuated unless merchandise is contained in the dispense;- which isbeing operated.

Other desirable features of my invention will become clear after readingthe objects and specification which follows.

An object of my invention is to improve the efiiciency of self-servicemerchandising.

Another object of my invention is to provide a vending system in which acustomer may draw commodities from a number of dispensers locatedthroughout the store and automatically cause a particular adding machineto register the amount of each purchase.

Still another object of my invention is to cause the total expenditureto be summed up on a particular adding machine when the customer isready to leave with his completed purchases.

A further object of my invention is to provide a means for setting theprice of the commodity in each dispenser so that the price may be seenby the customer, and in setting the price to set automatic means forcausing that price to be registered on any of the various addingmachines when the displayed commodities are purchased.

Still another object of my invention is to provide dispensers which willpermit the automatic sales of bulky or awkwardly-shaped articles.

A further object of my invention is to provide a fool-proof dispensingsystem such that the dispensers become inoperative if the merchandise issold out or if failure occurs in any one of the power lines required foroperating the system.

Another object of my invention is to provide a vending system in which anumber of keys are made available to customers for operating the vendingmachines throughout the store, each key being capable of operating alldispensers and each key causing a particular adding machine to registerthe amount of the various purchases made by the customer throughout thestore.

Another object of my invention is to improve the method of operation ofself-service markets so that it will not be necessary to handle themerchandise at the check-out counter when the customer has completed hispurchases.

A still further object of my invention is to remove the possibility fortheft of merchandise in self-service markets.

Another object of my invention is to remove thc possibility ofdishonesty on the part of clerks working in self-service markets.

A further object of my invention is to remove the possibility for errorsmade by clerks working at the check-out counters of self-servicemarkets.

Another object of my invention is to increase the speed of handlingcustomers in self-service markets.

A further object of my invention is to reduce greatly the sales expensenecessary for operating a self-service market, thereby permitting a rduced mark-up on the prices of the products for the same profit.

Another object of my invention is to continuously cause the older stockto be automatically sold ahead of newer stock in self-service markets.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic continuousinventory which instantly shows the total quantity of each item sold.

It is also an object of my invention to provide a mechanical orelectro-mechanical dispensing system which is flexible enough to providefor adding tax to sales prices and, if necessary, to .provide for othercharges such as ration points.

Still further objects of my inventio will be come clear to those skilledin the art after reading my specification and claims.

The novel features that I consider characteristic of my invention areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention,itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, aswell as advantages thereof, will best be understood from the followingdescription of several embodiments thereof, when read in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of anautomatic vending system illustrating the basic features of one form ofmy invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram which illustrates in greater detail someof the mechanisms associated with the vending machines indicated in Fig.1.

Fig. 2-A shows details of a portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another form of vending machinewhich I employ in one form of my invention for the purpose of handlingthe dispensing of bulky or awkwardly-shaped articles.

Fig. 4 shows schematically another form of my invention in which the useof a hand-operated lever is replaced by a push button and motoroperation, thereby reducing the physical eiiort of operation on the partof the customers,

Fig. 5 shows a schematic detail of the pricesetting dials andinterrupter switches for causing the remote actuation of the addingmachines when an article is withdrawn from the dispenser.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the mechanism of Fig. 5 showing in greaterdetail how the number of contact interruptions are caused to beautomatically the same as the number of the digit exposed on the dialindicating the selling price of the commodity.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the over-all schematic diagramof the vending system. Reference characters i and 2 indicate two of thenumerous dispensers which form part of the system. Dispenser i containsonly a single product, whereas dispenser 2 contains several productswhich are sold at the same price, such, for example, as several kinds ofone brand of soup. The handle 3 is the means for operating dispenser I,and handle 4 or '5 may be used to operate either portion of dispenser 2,depending on the choice of the operator. Each dispenser is provided witha keyway 6 into which are arranged numerous pairs of contacts calledselector switches, a few of which are schematically indicated as la, lb;8a, 8b; 3a, 9b; 1a, lilb; lid, lib. Each pair of contacts is connectedto an electric adding machine 10; 80; 90; We; and lie; as shown. Thepower supply for operating the system is indicated by the alternatorsl2, l3, l4 and I5, each generating a different f equency f1, f2, f3, andf4, and a D. C. generator It, all driven by the motor ll. (The D. C.generator it could, of course, be replaced by an alternator generating afrequency f5, if desired, without changing the principle of operation.The frequency fl is distributed through the line 29; the frequency f2 isdistributed through the line 39; the frequency is is distributed throughthe line 3 I the frequency i4 is distributed through the line 32, andthe D. C. is distributed through the line 27. Although alternators areindicated for the generation of the various frequencies, it is evidentthat vacuum tube oscillators may be employed instead, if desired. Also,the D. C. source may be replaced by an alternating source withoutaffecting the principle of operation.

As shown in Fig. 1, the D. C. signal is fed through line 21, throughrelays l8, i9, 2 3 and 2!; then continues through line 2? to one contactof each pair of contacts in each vending machine. When a key is insertedin the heyway 6, a pair of contacts such as 9a and ill) will be closed,thereby closing the D. C. circuit through switch 9?) to a particularadding machine 90. The D. C. signal is employed to make the particularadding machine ready for use.

One step in rendering the system fool-proof against any false priceregistration that may be caused by the failure of one of the alternatorsis accomplished by introducing the four series connected, normally open,relay contacts i8, i9, 20 and 2| in the D. C. line 2'5. Each relay isnormally open-circuited and when each alternating frequency source l2,it, ill, and I is in normal operating condition and connected to therespective relays by means of lines 2e. 3t, 3t, and 32, as indicated,all relay contacts are held closed and the D. C. power is distributed bymeans of line 21 through the selector switches in each dispenser, asshown. Should any failure occur in any one of the alternator-s, theparticular relay connected to said alternator will open, thus serving asa circuit breaker in line 21 to disconnect the D. C. power from thedispensers and from the adding machines, thereby rendering the entiredispensing system inop ative. This safety measure has been introduced sothat it will be impossible to obtain merchandise from the dispensers orto cause actuation of the adding machines unless all sources of electricpower are in normal operating condition and on the adding machine 90.

are properly connected so that the automatic price registration whichwill be described later may be fully operative when a commodity is takenfrom the dispensing cabinet.

For the system indicated in Fig. 1, the alternating currents offrequencies f1, f2, f3, and f4 are employed for the remote signalling ofthe price of the dispensed commodity to the add n machine associatedwith the operating key. Referring to dispenser I, the frequency f1,generated by the alternator I2, is connected from the distributing line29 to a multiple contact switch 33, which will be described in greaterdetail later. The frequency f2 on distributing line 30 is connected tothe multiple contact switch 34, and the frequency is is connected fromthe line at to the multiple contact switch 35. A set of rotors 39 make acomplete revolution during the operation of the dispenser by the lever 3and a series of interruptions of the frequencies f1, f2 and fa,depending on the set price of the commodity dispensed, pass along thecommon wire 28 through a pair of contacts such as 9a, if this particularkey is inserted, to the corre responding adding machine 90. Associatedwith each adding machine 1c, 80, 90, 40c, and He are filters 22, 23, 24.25 and 25. Filter .22 allows only frequency f1 to pass to the addingmachine; filter 23 the frequency f2; filter 24 the frequency f3; filter25 the frequency f4, and filter 25 allows only D. C. to pass. Althoughit is not imperative in the operation of my invention, I prefer that thevarious frequencies f1, f2, f3, and ii are not harmonic multiples of oneanother; otherwise it would be necessary to keep the electronic systemalmost entirely free from distortion to prevent the generation ofharmonics that might excite the wrong channel. For example, a group ofdesirable frequencies for f1, f2, f3, and it would be '75 cycles,cycles, cycles, and cycles.

The price dial 36 shows the number of dollars in the price of thecommodity, the dial 3'! shows the number of dimes in the price, and dial38 shows the number of cents. When the price is set on the dials such asthe amount $1.25 as shown, a single contact on rotary switch 33 is setto engage the rotary switch 33 once, thereby momentarily connectinggenerator i2 to the adding machine to complete the circuit containingfrequency f1 once, thereby causing adding machine to register $1. Twocontacts appear on switch 34 and five contacts appear on switch 35 forengaging the rotary switches 36. and 35 two and five times respectively,to cause the adding machine to to register 20 cents and 5 cents. (Thedetails of how this is accomplished will be described later.)

During the complete rotation of the rotors 39 during the cycle ofoperation of the dispenser, one pulse of frequency 1 passes through line28 and the switch 9a to the adding machine So. The single pulse offrequency f1 will pass through the selective filter 22 and register In asimilar way, two pulses of frequency f2 and five pulses of frequency iswill pass through the common line 28 to the adding machine 90 during thecycle of operation and the selective filter 23 which passes only thefrequency f2 will cause registration of two pulses of f2 correspondingto 29 cents. The filter 23 will pass the live pulses of the frequencyis, causing the adding machine So to register 5 cents. The sum total ofthe entire registration during the operating cycle of the dispenser iwill be $1.25 corresponding to the price set on the dials 36, 37, and38. This price will be added to the previous total on the adding machineby a D. C. pulse which is sent along the line 28 near the end of thecycle. (This is not indicated in Fig. l, but will be shown in detaillater.) The D. C. pulse will pass through filter 26 and it will actuatethe totalizing mechanism on the adding machine.

When the customer goes from one dispensing machine to another, his keyalways causes the same adding machine to be connected to the rotarycontact switches of each dispenser used, and each price of eachcommodity accumulates on the particular adding machine associated withhis key. When his purchases are completed and the customer appears atthe exit counter, his key is placed into his adding machine by thcashier and the grand total is indicated and the machine is cleared foruse by the next customer.

The set of filters 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 is associated with each addingmachine 50, So, etc., because all the actuating frequency pulses areplaced on a common wire for each adding machine and each frequency isused as a separate channel. It is obvious that the multiple frequenciesand filters may be eliminated and the same power may be sent on separatewires for actuating the various decimal places in the adding machines.This latter arrangement, however, would greatly increase the amount ofwiring needed for the installation.

Still referring to Fig. l, dispenser l is fed with the frequencies f1,f2, and is because the price of the commodity requires the use of thedollar, dime and cents columns in the adding machines. Dispenser 2 isshown fed with the frequencies f2, f3, and )4 because the price of thecommodity in this dispenser requires the use of the dime, cents andtenths of cents columns for the adding machines, the frequency is beingpassed by the filter 25 which actuates the tenths column.

Although a separate adding machine Sc, 80, 90, etc., is indicated foreach key, it is quite possible to combine numerous adding mechanismsinto a common housing and to have a single keyway with various contactswitches into which dififerent keys may be inserted. Each key will causethe grand total to be obtained from the particular adding mechanismassociated with the inserted key. This latter arrangement will produce amore compact unit at the exit counter which can be manufactured at lowercost.

Fig. 2 shows a more detailed schematic view of the operating portion ofthe automatic vending system. The characters having the same numbers asFig. 1 represent the same components. In Fig. 2, the lever 3 has beenexaggerated for purposes of illustration. When a key I6! is insertedinto the keyway 6, a pair of contacts associated with the particular keysuch as 9a and 9b are closed, causing two events to take place: first,connection of the D. C. supply through line 21 and contact 91) is madeto adding machine 530, causing it to become ready for operation; andsecond, contact 9a establishes connection with the audio-frequencysources through lines 28 and 3! whose interruptions will cause the valueor" the purchase to be registered when the dispenser I is operated. InFig. 2 the cents dial 3B is indicated in side view as is the stationarymultiple contact switch 35. Five contact tips are shown projectingwithin the circumference corresponding to the digit 5 set on dial 38. Amore complete detail or" the dial and switch mechanism will be shown inFigs. 5 and 6. The alternating frequency is is supplied through the line3| and is impressed on the multiple contact points carried by the switch35 as shown. In the operation of the dispensing machine, the rotor 39makes a complete revolution during the cycle of operation thusestablishing 5 separate pulses of the frequency is which are sent to theadding machine (corresponding to the key which caused the operation)through line 28 and the closed contacts 9a operated by the key H! I.These pulses of frequency is are allowed to pass only through theselective filter 24, thus setting up the amount of 5 cents to be totaledon adding machine 90. Mounted behind switch 35 are switches 34 and (notshown in Fig. 2) which simultaneously cause pulses of frequencies f1 andf2 to be sent to the adding machine corresponding to the complete priceof the commodity.

Additional safety features embodied in the vending system are indicatedin Fig. 2. Before the lever 3 may be operated to dispense a commodity,it is necessary for the key lfii to be completely inserted in thekeyway, thus closing contact switch i2 5. ter the contacts of switch iiihave been closed by the proper insertion of the key 61, the contactsl8"! will close during st portion of the travel of the lever 3. all thealternating power supplies and D. C. supplies are normal, the insertionof the and operation of the lever will cause D. C. "\ver to energizeboth of the electromagnets The magnetized core 132 will attract one endof the pivoted arm 583 causing the and making it impossible to withdrawthe key during the dispens ng of an article which would otherwise permitthe disturbance of contacts 9a and 53b causing false registration of theprice of the commodity.

The magnetization of electromagnet H34 causes the attraction of the armH15 allowing the escape of the ratchet I which permits freedom of theoperation of the dispensing lever 3. The sequence of conditions whichhave been described as being necessary before the lever could beoperated have presupposed that the contacts [69 at the bottom of thedispenser unit 1 are also closed. These contacts will only remain closedif there packages of merchandise 4 I!) in the dispenser unit. If thedispenser is empty, the contacts i139 will open, making it impossible toenergize the magnet HM which is a necessary condition for the operationof the dispenser and the registration of a price on the adding machine.

It will be seen in Fig. 2 that a pair of contacts 2 :5 are closed whenthe magnet 02 is energized. These contacts short circuit the contactsHi9 which are momentarily opened during the ejection of an article fromthe vending machine. Without the shunting contacts I I5, the D. C.current would be interrupted during the cycle when E89 is temporarilyopened and it would be possible to remove the key, causing falseregistration of the purchase price of the commodity. The contacts :09are normally kept closed by the weight of the last package I H! of themerchandise being dispensed. If the merchandise is all sold, contactsE99 will remain open and the particular dispensing unit is inoperative.However, other dispensing units containing merchandise are not affected.

When the last article is sold and the connection IDS is permanentlyopen, the contact III will close and remain closed causing the light H3to illuminate on the dispenser a sign which says Sold Out. The contactpoints H2 are placed in series with the light bulb H3 so that during thenormal operation of the machine the light will not flash on when thelever is down and the merchandise is being ejected. The contacts H2 maybe omitted, however, and the connection H2 be permanently made withoutaffecting the operation of the system.

When the lever 3 of Fig. 2 is pulled down to operate the dispenser, therack 602 which is fastened to the lever 3, is engaged to the pinionGill. During the down stroke of the lever 3, the pinion till is drivenbut slips over the shaft 603 because of the ratchet teeth tilt whichpass overthe spring latch 6H5 which is anchored to the shaft 583. On thereturn stroke of the lever 3, one of the ratchet teeth 6M engages thespring latch and causes rotation of the shaft SE33. The number of teethon the pinion Eti and rack 532' are chosen so that during the returnstroke of the lever 3 there will be caused exactly one completerevolution of the rotors 39 which cause the actuation of the contactswitches 33, 3t, and 35 to establish the various frequency pulses inline 28 which actuates the adding machine Sc as previously described.,Near the end of a cycle a D. C. pulse is established on line 28 bycausing the rotor 39 to make contact with the terminal 606 which ismounted on an insulating pad 66! and is electrically connected with theD. C. line 2?. This pulse is passed by the selective filter 23, therebycausing the digits registered through the filters 22, 23, and 2s to beadded to the previous total on the machine. The adding machine Sc has akeyway 5 and a pair of contacts placed as S d and 9b so that when thecustomer has completed his purchases and is ready to leave, his key isinserted in the adding machine and the total balance is shown and themachine is cleared for the next customers use.

Another feature of my invention is indicated in Fig. 2, namely, theremote indication of the need for replacing merchandise in the variousdispensers. To accomplish this, an annunciator board H8 is mounted at acentral position with several indicators, one for each dispenser unit,such as the light bulbs I H. A separate indicator H? is provided foreach vending machine. In Fig. 2 the light bulb HT is connected through aspring urged contact switch I Hi to the power line 2?. A push rod izii,which is connected to the spring He, is shown holding the contacts HGopen which keeps the light H'l off. When the merchandise in thedispenser falls below the level of the spring i it, the spring deflectsto the right, carrying with it the push rod E23, thereby causing thecontacts lit to close and the bulb HT to light. The illumination of theposition indicated by Hi will show that the particular dispenser needsreplenishing and a dispatcher may be sent to refill the machine. Whenthe new merchandise is added, it preferably is put in from the top sothat it is placed above the old packages. In this way, the new packageswill not be delivered until all the old packages are sold.

Another feature of my invention shown in Fig. 2 is the continuousautomatic system of inventory. On each position of the-annunciator boardH8 is placed an electrical counter diagrammatically indicated byreferencecharacter I2 I. Each coun- 10 ter is connected to a differentvending machine and totalizes the number of sales made by the machine.The counter E2! in Fig. 2 is connected by the line I22 to a contactswitch 3% (not shown in Fig. 2 but shown in detail on Fig. i), whichmakes connection to the D. (3. power source near the end of each cycleof operation of the dispenser. Therefore, for each article delivered,the

particular counter will indicatethe sale. At any' instant an inspectionof the board H8 will show the total individual sales. Daily records thusmay be obtained easily.

Fig. 3 shows how I propose to dispense very bulky or otherwise awkwardarticles not conveniently capable of being released through a chute ofthe conventional type of dispenser. For the awkward articles, I proposea unit 296 that has a number of relatively large compartments, eachclosed by a door 25 I. Associated with each door is a latch 202 and anelectromagnet 203, which when energized, causes the latch to release anda spring, not shown, causes the door to open up, permitting the customerto pick up the article within the compartment. The general principles ofoperation of this unit are the same as previously described except thatinstead of ejecting an article as heretofore mentioned, a door to acompartment is opened. Similar parts from Figs. 1 and 2 are indicated bythe same reference characters in Fig. 3.

When the lever 3 is pulled down, an insulated ratchet wheel 296;, whichcarries a number of contacts 205 is advanced one position. Each positionof the wheel 2M establishes electrical contact to one of theelectromagnets 23% associated with the next compartment determined bythe sequence of connections established by the advancing wheel 2%.Associated with each compartment is a contact switch 298 which is heldclosed by the weight of the merchandise in each bin. The contacts 208are in series with the power line 27 and the electromagnets 2E3 sothatif there is no merchandise'in any of the compartments the system willbecome inoperative.

During the normal cycle of operation of this dispenser, the lever 3 ispulled down causing the switch 2t? to close, and if the key is properlyinserted and contacts 268 and I21 are closed, a current will flowthrough the magnets i 32, 259, and 203. The magnet m2 serves to hold thekey locked in position as previously described, and the magnet 2&3causes the latch 202 to be released, thereby permitting the door to acom partment to open exposing the merchandise. During the operatingcycle, the magnet 2% is also energized which causes arm NZ to beattracted to it causing the free tip of the arm. 2 E2 to dropsufiiciently below the notched portion of the arm 2 i i such thatgravity causes the arm 2 i l to swing to the right engaging the notchedportion over the free end of the arm 2H2 mechanically looking it inposition until the lever 3 is returned to the top of its stroke. Whenthe lever 3 returns to the top of the stroke, an extension portion 6i iengages the rocker arm 5 i 2, as shown. The arm M2 is pivoted to rock onthe pivot di l which is located to the left of the center of gravity ofthe arm Hi2 so that when the lever 3 is pushed down the righthandportion of the arm BIZ will move down by its own weight, therebydisengaging itself from the toggle portion tit of the arm 21 l whichfrees it to swing to the right when the magnet 269 is energized asalready described above. When the lever arm returns to the top of itsstroke the rocker arm hi2 is forced to rotate counterclockwise and thelefthand tip of the arm BIZ engages the toggle portion 6I3 of the arm 2|I which releases the notch from its hold on the arm 2 i2, thereby makingthe system ready for the next cycle of operation. The contacts 2I0 areheld closed during the time that arm 2 I2 is held locked by the notch inthe ratchet 2I I. This is done so that complete registration of theprice signals may be insured on the adding machine 90.

During the above description, the action has been outlined on theassumption that merchandise was in the machine. It has already beenstated that in the absence of merchandise, contact 208 will be open andno current will flow in the control circuit when the lever is pulled andnothing will happen. A similar locking device as shown in Fig. 2 by armI05 and catch I35, which are operated by magnet I04 when switch I07 isclosed, could be employed in connection with Fig. 3, if desired, thusmaking it impossible to move the lever 3 unless -merchandise is in thecompartment.

The contacts 2I0, when closed, establish the circuit from the rotors 33to the line 28, thereby making possible the transmission to the addingmachine 00 of pulses of the diiferent frequencies supplied by the lines23, 33, and 3! to correspond with the price of the article shown on thedials 3B, 31, and 33. These pulses actuate the adding machine So, aspreviously described, and at the end of the rotation of the rotarycontactors 39, a D. C. pulse is sent out along the same line 28 to causethe addition of the registered amount as described in connection withFig. 2.

The arrangement for indicating the need for replenishment of merchandiseand for lighting the Sold Out display is accomplished by means of theauxiliar contacts 2I3, 2-H, 2I5, and 2H5. These contacts are alsolocated so that the weight of the merchandise acts to operate them andthey are such that with merchandise in the particular compartments theywill all be open. Assume that the merchandise is being dispensed fromthe top bin 220 down toward the bottom bin 225 and the machine iscompletely filled. When the removal of all packages up through the-bin222 has taken place, contacts 2 I3 and 2I4 close. The closing of 2I4causes the light 2 IT to go on on the annunciator board H8 to indicate Ineed for replenishment. Nothing happens in the circuit containing switch2I3 since contacts 2I5 are in series with 2I3 and 2I5 is still open dueto merchandise being in the bin 225. If the -merchandise is not replacedby the time the last compartment 225 is emptied, contacts 2I5 willclose, and since 2I3 has already been closed by the removal of the uppermerchandise, a complete circuit is established to light bulb I3 whichilluminates the Sold Out sign I I4. Should the merchandise have beenreplenished after switch 2 I4 causes the light 2II to go on, then theSold Out sign would not go on when the last compartment 225 is emptiedbecause contacts 2I3 would be opened by the addition of the merchandiseup above. However, when the lower compartment 225 is emptied, contactsZIS will close and the indicating bulb 2H will light to show again theneed for replenishing the merchandise.

In Fig. 4 is shown another version of my invention. Here the use of thelever is replaced by an electric motor 302 so that it is simplynecessary to press a button and the merchandise is automaticallydelivered. In this figure, all references to previously described itemsbear the same designation previously used. A drive shaft SM isschematically shown engaged to the motor 302 through a reduction gear303. To the shaft 301 is connected a crank 304, which in turn isattached to a connecting rod 335 and a push rod 306. On the drive shaft,there is connected a finger 308 which has just passed the contacts 301,which were temporarily opened during the end of the cycle which has justbeen completed. The contacts 301 are now closed and will remain so untilanother revolution of the shaft 30I takes place in the directionindicated by the arrow. A second pair of contacts 303 are normally openand the finger 3I0, which is also connected to the shaft 30I, has justpassed the position near the end of the cycle during the brief instantin which the contacts 309 were temporarily closed. A push button 3IIstarts the machine after the key IOI has been properly inserted andprovided merchandise is in the dispenser to close the gravity switchI03. As soon as the button 3 is pressed, the rocker arm I03 is rotatedby electromagnet I02, and, in addition to locking the key in place forthe duration of the cycle, it also causes contacts 3I2 to close, therebyshorting out contact 3II to prevent any interruption of the completecycle after the push button 3H is released, and shorting out contact I09to prevent interruption upon the temporary opening of the contacts I09when the merchandise is ejected.

When the motor 302 starts running, the crank 332 is made to push out thelower article by means of the push rod 306. As the motor stillcontinues, the rotating contact 39 and others not shown, cause thenecessary pulses of the audiofrequency signals to be established throughthe contacts appearing through switches 33, 3d, and 35 to be sentthrough line 28 to the adding machine 90, thus registering the price ofthe article shown on dial 38, as previously described. A detaileddescription of the interrupter switch 35 and price dial 38 will be givenlater.

After all the pulses have been sent to the proper adding machine, thefinger 3 I 0 strikes the spring contacts 309, causing a D. C. signal tobe sent along line 28 to actuate the adding machine to cause theaddition of the amount previously registered. The D. C. signal alsopasses into line I22 to actuate the counter I2I (Fig. 2) which gives aperpetual indication of the total number of articles sold. Finally, atthe end of the cycle, finger 308 momentarily opens the contacts 301,causing the drive circuit to open releasing the magnet I02 and openingthe contacts 3I2, thus restoring the system for re-operation. The systemis designed so that the inertia of the motor will keep the shaft 301moving suiliciently after the contacts 301 open to cause the contacts tore-close before the motor comes to rest. In this schematic view, theindicating means for giving the replenishing information has beenomitted as has also the means for indicating Sold Out, since thesefeatures have already been described. It is to be understood, however,that these features may be used in the push-button type system.

In this push-button system, it is impossible to cause mis-operation oncethe push button is closed.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the schematic details of the price setting andprice transmitting mechanism previously discussed. The dials 3B, 31, and38 are each meshed with a freely rotating cir- 13 cular cam MI, 402, and403. For the corresponding digits displayed through the price window 405by the dials 36, 31, and 38 as many contact pins 404 for each decimalplace are caused to be pushed through the fixed frames 35 of themultiple contact switch. Four such pins QM are shown projecting throughin Fig. 6 corresponding to the digit number 4 appearing on price dial38. During the operation of the dispenser either by the lever systemshown in Fig. 2 or by the motor arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the rotor39 is caused to make one complete revolution during the operation cycle.During this revolution, each dial setting will cause the correspondingnumber of pulses to pass to the adding machine, as previously described.Although not absolutely essential, I prefer to stagger the contactstrips of thehundreds, tens, and units columns so that they are eachslightly displaced circumferentially. This circumferential staggering ofthe various denominational sets of ten digital units will result in theinterlacing of the different frequency pulses so that the rotor arm 39may not make contact with the second digit contactor tip in any ofthecolumns until each of the first digit contactors in the units, tens,and hundreds columns have all been successively passed over by therotors 39. In other words, the different denominational sets of tendigits will be interlaced with respect to each other so that each of thefirst digital unit contacts in each denominational group is successivelymade by the rotors 39 before the second digital units are contacted inany group. In this way the common connection 28 which carries all threefrequency pulses to the adding machine will have only one frequency at atime on the line.

With the system shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the price of the commodity maybe changed by open-- ing the cover window 405 and indexing the dials 36,31, and 33 to the desired values. Indexing the dials rotates thecircular cam (such as cam 403), thereby depressing the required numberof pins 404. This automatically sets the corresponding rotary contactswitches to interrupt the respective signals by the same number of timesas the exposed digits, Obviously this window cover should be locked inplace and the manager of the store should have the key for opening it.

In the descriptions which have been given, the question of rationedcommodities has not been treated. It will be obvious, however, that ifthe system is to be used in connection with rationed merchandise,another one or two frequency channels may be used to register points ina manner equivalent to the registration of the cost of the commodity. Atthe exit counter, the customer will receive two totals, one the cost andthe other the point requirements.

Additional frequency channels may be similarly provided to take care oftaxable merchandise for state laws that will not permit the prepaymentof sales tax so that it may be automatically included in the price ofthe article.

Since the registering means per se is not claimed as part of thisinvention and since many well-known means are possible for accomplishingthis particular detail, it was not felt necessary to elaborate on thedetail mechanism required for the performance of this function. Forexample, the well-known Type 405 electrical accounting machine which hasbeen in widespread use for many years and is manufactured byInternational Business Machines employs punched cards through whoseperforations electrical contacts are made by metallic springs which areallowed to make contact with a conducting surface on the opposite sideof the card. Some of these electrical contacts then cause relays tooperate which, inturn, actuate electro-mechanical linkages to effect thesetting up of various digits in a manner which is analogous to thepunching of manually-operated keys on a conventional type addingmachine. The numbers thus set up are automatically printed on a paperstrip and the total is also printed when desired by the use ofelectrical impulses through electromagnets instead of pushing rods byhandas is the case in a conventional type adding machine. It is obviousthat this same basic type of electrical adding machine mechanism whichis used in the above-described accounting machine could be actuated bythe electrical pulses which are sent through the Various frequencychannels shown in the disclosed device. Another method of registrationis to have the various pulses in each channel operate a step type relay,such as is in common use in dial telephone switchboards, forestablishing the particular digit desired for each channel. When thedigits in each channel are set up, they could also be made to print theamount on a paper tape by electrically actuated means similar to themeans employed for printing the digits on the above-described electricalaccounting machine. Another method for effecting the registration of theprice is to replace the ordinary push keys on the conventionalmotor-operated cash registers by solenoids. One such typical cashregister is the Model 6063 machine manufactured by the National CashRegister Company and which has been in widespread use for many years inpractically all super-markets and which automatically gives a printedslip showing. each amount registered as Well as the total sum. Thesesolenoids could then be selectively actuated by the number of electricalpulses which are transmitted through each frequency channel and the endresult is the replacement of the manual push buttons on the conventionalcash register by electricallyoperated solenoids. The D.-C. signal online 21 which is sent to a particular electrical adding machine merelyactuates a relay to turn the adding machine On as would occur in theelectrical accounting machine above-described when its power switch isturned On. The different frequency pulses operate each denominationalorder through stepped relays or solenoids, as described in the severalexamples mentioned. The D. C. signal appears on line 28 as describedabove. The A.-C. pulses are sent through the selective filters and theyare employed to actuate any conventional mechanism such as steppedrelays or solenoids, as above describe-d, to set up the digitscorresponding to the pulse information. These digits may be set up, asalready mentioned, by solenoids replacing the push buttons on the cashregister or by the same electro-mechanical means employed to set up thedigits corresponding to the punched cards in the electrical accountingmachine and the D.-C. signal which follows the pulse signals will thencause the printing of the digits in a manner similar to what occurs inthe electrical accounting machine above described or by causing a D.-C.actuated solenoid to perform the function of the manual key which nowcauses the printing of the digits set up on the cash registerabove-described. Finally, the insertion of the key into the register tocause a total taking and clearing operation can vbe accomplished bycausing the key to perform the equivalent operation now performed fortotalizing and clearing on the electrical accounting machine orbyactuating the equivalent mechanism now employed for performing thissame function in the cash re ister described.

Although I have chosen certain specific mechanisms and electricalcircuits to illustrate the basic features of my invention, it will be.obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous departures may be madein the specific details for executing the required functions.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a vending system, a plurality of diiIerent key means, a pluralityof dispenser units, each including actuatingineans operable by any oneof said plurality of different key means fordispensing a givencommodity, a plurality of'remotely located adding machinesone for eachof said different key means, electrical connection means extending fromeach of said pluralityor dispenser units to each of said plurality ofadding machines, a plurality of sources of electrical'powen-each-of adifferent frequency, connected to each -of said plurality of dispenserunits; and a plurality of electrical price signalling means, one foreach of said dispensing units connected to said sources of power, foraffecting the circuit from said sources of powerto said adding machinesin accordance with the price 'of an article dispensed, the electricalsignalling means -in-the dispensing unit operated by a given key meanssignalling to only'the adding machine corresponding to said givenkeymeans'for causing said adding machine to add theprice of 'the articledispensed in response to "the operation of said dispenser unitby thegiven 'keymeans.

2. In a' vending system, a'plurality of dispenser unitseachincludingactuating means operable by any one of aplurality of key means fordispensing a commodity; a plurality of addin machines,

one for each of'said'key means, electrically connectedto each-of saiddispenser units; a plurality of sources of electrical power each of adifferent frequency and corresponding to the digits in the price of thecommodities to be dispensed con nected to each of said dispenser units,each or" said dispenser unitsincluding electrical switch meansinterconnecting the said sources of power with said adding machines, andeach said electrical switch means including means controlled by theprice of the commodity dispensed for altering saidelectrical circuitbetween the said sources of power and the said adding machine inaccordance with the values of the digits in theprice of the saidcommodity; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from any of saiddispenser units the price of said commodity is automatically recorded onone adding machine corresponding to the key means which operated thesaid dispenser unit to cause the commodity to be dispensed.

3. In a vending system as -set'forth'in claim 2, the furthercharacterization that the said electrical switch'means'in each dispenserunit is adjustable to change the price which the systemrecordswhenacommodity is dispensed-from said dispenser unit.

4. In a vending system as set forth-in claim 2, the furthercharacterization that thesaid sources of power establishfrequenciescorresponding to the several digitswhich may be used to'establish thepriceof acommodity, and each said adding machine is connected to-eachsaid dispenserunit 16 by a single circuit which carries signals of theseveral frequencies, and said adding machines include frequency filtermeans for respectively passing to one of the several decimal divisionswithin said adding machine only signals of certain frequencies.

5. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the furthercharacterization that the mainsource of power which is employed forturning anadding machine on is passed through a number of normally openrelays, each relay being held closed by current from one of said sourcesof alternating signal, said relays operating to render the entire systeminoperative upon the failure of any one of said sources of alternatingsignal.

6. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the furthercharacterization .that the electrical circuits from said sources ofelectrical power to said adding machines are normally made, and saidelectrical switch means interrupts said circuit in accordance with theprice of the commodity dispensed, and each said adding machine isresponsive to the interruptions in its circuit for registering the priceof the commodity.

7. In a vending system as set forth in claim 2, the furthercharacterization of a push button and that the operation of said vendingsystem is initiated by a person actuating said push button forestablishing an electrical contact, the electrical circuit establishedby the actuation of said push button causing the said vending system tocomplete one cycle or" operation.

8. In a vending system; a plurality of different portable key means; aplurality of dispenser units each dispen er unit dispensing a commodityand each including actuating means operable by any one of said pluralityof key means for dispensing the commodity within said dispenser unit, aplurality of adding machines, one for each of said plurality ofdifferent key means electrically connected to said dispenser units forrecording the given price of each commodity dispensed from saiddispenser units, each of said key means when in operative position inany of said dispenser units connecting said dispenser unit totheoneadding machine peculiar to said key means; said plurality of addingmachines being placed at a central location remotely located withrespect to said dispenser units.

9. In a vending machine, a dispenser unit including actuating meansoperable by any one of a plurality of key means for dispensing acommodity of a given price; a plurality of adding machines, one for eachof said key means; means electrically connecting said adding machines tosaid dispenser unit; a plurality of sources of electrical power eachhaving a different characteristic and corresponding to the digits in theprice of the commodity to be dispensed connected to said dispenser unit,said dispenser unit including electrical switch means interconnectingthe said sources of power with said adding machines, and each saidelectrical switch means including control means set for th givenprice-of the commodity dispensed for altering said electrical circuitbetweenthesaid sources of power and'the said adding machines inaccordance with the value of the digits-in the price of the saidcommodity; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from saiddispenser unit'the price or" said commodity is automatically recorded onone adding machine corresponding to the key means which operatedthe saiddispenser unit to cause the commodityto be dispensed.

10. The invention set forth in claim 9 further characterized in this:.that said controlmeans is 1? adjustable to change. the given, pricewhich the system records when a commodity is dispensed from saiddispenser unit.

11. The invention set forth in claim 9 further characterized in this:thatsaid different characteristics of said sources of power correspondto the several digits-Which'm-ay be used to establish the price of acommodity, and each said adding machine is connected to said dispenserunit by a single circuit which carries signals of the several differentcharacteristics, and said adding machines include means for separatingsaid signals of different characteristics for respectively passing toone of the several decimal divisions within said adding machines onlysignals of a certain characteristic.

12. In a vending system as set forth in claim 9, the furthercharacterization that said adding machines are electrically operated andthe intelligence carrying power for operating said adding machines ispassed through a number of normally open relays, each of said relaysbeing held closed by current from one of said source of electricalpower, said relays operating to render the said adding machinesinoperative upon the failure of any one of said sources of electricalpower.

13. In a vending system as set forth in claim 9, the furthercharacterization that the electrical circuits from said sources ofelectrical intelligence power to said adding machines are normally made,and said electrical switch means interrupts said circuit in accordancewith the price of the commodity dispensed, and each said adding machineis responsive to the interruptions in its circuit for registering theprice of the commodity.

14. The invention set forth in claim 2, further characterized in this:that said actuating means in each dispenser unit includes an electricalswitch operated by a commodity therein for permitting the operation ofsaid actuating means only when there is a commodity in said dispenserunit.

15. In a dispensing system having a plurality of dispenser units each ofwhich is adapted to contain a plurality of packages of a commodity, aplurality of differently shaped portable key means each of which isadapted to cause each dispenser unit to dispense a commodity, aplurality of electrical adding machines, one peculiar to each of saidkey means, centrally located at a distance from said dispenser units,and normally open electric circuit means connecting each of saiddispenser units to each of said totalizing means, one given key meansupon actuating a given dispenser unit closing said circuit means only tothe adding machine peculiar to said key means.

16. lhe invention set forth in claim further characterized in this: thatsaid dispenser system includes means associated with each said dispenserunit which is indicative of the price of the commodity therein, and saidone adding machine connected to the dispenser unit which dispensescommodity is actuated in accordance with said price when a commodity isdispensed.

l7. The invention set forth in claim 15 further characterized bynormally open commodity actuated switch means in each said dispenserunit said switch means being located in said normally open electriccircuit means, said switch means being held closed by commodity in saiddispenser unit.

18. A vending system as set forth in claim 8, further characterized bymeans for holding a key in its inserted position until said commodity iscompletely dispensed.

19. In a vending system, a plurality of dispenser units, each includingactuating means operable by any one of a plurality of different keymeans for dispensing a commodity; a plurality of adding machines, onefor each of said key means, electrically connected toeach of saiddispenser units; a plurality of sources of electrical power of differentfrequencies connected to each said dispenser unit, each said dispenserunit including selective electrical switch means which, upon the use ofa, given key. means to cause the dispenser unit to operate,interconnects the said sources of power with only the adding machinecorresponding to said given key means, and each said electrical switchmeans including additional switching means in the same circuitcontrolled by the price of the commodity dispensed for signalling saidadding machine; whereby upon the dispensing of a commodity from anyofsaid plurality of dispenserjunits the price of said commodity isautomatically recorded on only one adding machinecorresponding to thekey means which operated the said dispenser unit to cause the commodityto be dispensed.

20. In a vending system, a dispenser unit, an incompletely madeelectrical power supply circuit connected to said dispenser unit forsupply,

ing power to said dispenser unit, an adding machine remotely locatedwith respect to said dispenser unit and electrically connected to it,operating means including an insertable key for insertion in saiddispenser unit for operating said dispenser unit, means for causing saidadding machine to add the price of the merchandise dispensed, and meansoperable only upon complete insertion of said key in said dispenser unitto complete the power supply circuit to said dispenser unit.

21. The invention set forth in claim 2, further characterized in this:that said plurality of sources of electrical power of difierentfrequencies are connected to each of said dispenser units by only asingle electrical circuit, and by means for alternately connecting saidplurality of sources to said single circuit.

22. In a vending system, a dispenser unit for dispensing a commodity ofa given price, a plurality of different portable key means, saiddispenser unit being operable by any one of said plurality of differentkey means for dispensing the commodity 7 within said dispenser unit; aplurality of adding machines one for each of said plurality of differentkey means electrically connected to said dispenser unit for recordingthe given price of the commodity dispensed from said dispenserunit. eachof said key means when in operative position in said dispenser unitconnecting said dispenser unit to only one adding machine peculiar tosaid key means, said plurality of adding machines being placed at acentral location remotely located with respect to said dispenser unit.

23. In a vending system, a plurality of dispenser units for dispensing aplurality of commodities each at a given price, a plurality of differentportable key means, each of said dispenser units being operable by anyone of said plurality of different key means for dispensing thecommodity within said dispenser unit; a plurality of adding machines onefor each of said plurality of different key means electrically connectedto said dispenser units for recording the given price of the commoditiesdispensed from said dispenser units, each of said key means when inoperative position in any one of said dispenser units connecting saiddispenser unit to only one adding 19 machine peculiar to said key means,said plurality of adding machines being placed at a central locationremotely located with respect to said dispenser units.

24. In a vending system, a plurality of different portable key means; aplurality of dispenser units each including actuating means operable byany one of said plurality of key means for dispensing a commodity of agiven price; a plurality of adding machines, one for each of said keymeans; electrical means interconnecting each of said dispenser unitswith each of said adding machines; and selective means wtihin each saiddispenser unit for connecting a dispenser unit to the only addingmachine peculiar to a given key means as said given key means causessaid dispenser unit to dispense its commodity whereby the price of thecommodity dispensed is recorded only upon said adding machine peculiarto the key means which actuates the dispenser unit.

FRANK MASSA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date Wescott July 4, 1916 Baker Nov. 16, 1926 Fry Jan. 5, 193 LimbDec. 5, 1933 De Bussey Nov. 20, 1934 Julius et a1 Sept. 17', 1935 EsgroAug. 23, 1938 Machinist Nov. 12, 1940 Farmer Mar. 17, 1942 DickinsonSept. 1, 1942 Esgro Mar. 9, 1943 Haas Aug. 17, 1943 Lesnick May 16, 1944Armbruster July 4, 1944 Kuhl Oct. 10, 1944

